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Dragon Movie Review: A fiery ride of redemption with some unchecked Glorifications

Dragon is an engaging film that balances humor and redemption but struggles with glorification issues. Pradeep Ranganathan delivers a standout performance in this entertaining yet flawed drama.

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Pradeep Ranganathan in Dragon movie scene

Dragon, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, blends humor with a coming-of-age redemption arc, offering an entertaining yet flawed narrative. While Pradeep Ranganathan delivers an engaging performance, the film’s glorifications and certain character choices may require viewers to overlook some problematic elements.

Plot Summary: The making of Dragon

D. Ragavan (Pradeep Ranganathan) starts as an obedient, academically brilliant student. However, after being rejected by a girl for not being the stereotypical “bad boy,” he transforms into a rebellious college troublemaker, racking up 48 arrears and living a lie with his gullible parents. His downward spiral continues until his college sweetheart, Keerthy (Anupama Parameswaran), breaks up with him due to his reckless ways. This marks a turning point, pushing Ragavan towards change.

Movie Review: A tale of reinvention with questionable moments

The film opens on a promising note, setting up a college atmosphere where the principal Mayilvahanan (Mysskin) takes a progressive stance on student relationships. However, what starts as an intriguing character arc for Ragavan soon turns into a glorified ‘bad boy’ transformation, making it seem as though rebellion and arrogance are prerequisites for respect and admiration.

Ragavan’s journey from a computer science gold medallist to a college rebel feels exaggerated, and while the film does well in portraying his downfall, it lacks depth in showing the impact on others—especially Keerthy, whose perspective remains underexplored.

When Keerthy leaves Ragavan after six years, citing that she can only see him as a lover but not a life partner, her reasoning is solid. However, the film frames her as someone who eventually apologizes to Ragavan, which feels unnecessary and problematic. Why should a woman apologize for choosing a stable life over an irresponsible partner? This is one of the film’s weaker points.

Despite these missteps, Dragon finds its rhythm in the second half, with Ragavan pursuing a redemption arc that feels earned. The climax, in particular, is a highlight, offering a smartly written resolution that balances realism with the commercial elements expected in Tamil cinema.

Performances & Technical Aspects

  • Pradeep Ranganathan shines in a role tailor-made for him, effortlessly switching between humor, arrogance, and redemption.
  • Anupama Parameswaran as Keerthy delivers a commendable performance, though her character is underwritten.
  • Kayadu Lohar as Pallavi adds a fresh dynamic, though her character’s impact remains minimal.
  • VJ Siddhu and Harshath Khan add comic relief, with Harshath’s role as ‘Kutty Dragon’ standing out despite initial concerns of glorification.
  • Ashwath Marimuthu’s direction is sharp in emotional moments but struggles with justifying certain character choices.

The background score and cinematography enhance the high-energy moments, particularly in the film’s last 45 minutes, which bring both emotional weight and entertainment.

Verdict: An entertaining yet flawed ride

Dragon is worth a theatre watch for its humor, engaging screenplay, and strong performances. While it excels in delivering a redemption arc, its handling of gender dynamics and glorification of reckless behavior leaves room for debate. If you can look past these elements, Dragon offers an enjoyable mix of laughs, drama, and a gripping climax.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

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Mushtaq Khan

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

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Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

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Drishyam 3 trailer: Ajay Devgn faces triple threat from Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer brings back Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the franchise in new roles.

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Drishyam 3 trailer

The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.

Ajay Devgn faces new challenges

The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.

This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.

The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.

Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.

Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.

Drishyam The Conclusion release date

Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.

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